When you're out playing, or even inside doing something as simple as setting the table, you can get unexpectedly hurt. Accidents will always happen, but the most important thing is how you handle them. Here are some tips to keep you safe if you are in need of first aid, and what to do if you need to administer first aid to someone else.
Since you can never know when someone will get hurt, it is really important to know how to put together a great first aid kit, and how to use what is in it. The first thing you need to know, though, is what first aid is. First aid is any help you give to someone who is injured to help them fix the problem. It is possible that what you do could save someone's life, but more likely you're going to help them with small accidents.
Know matter how much you know about first aid, sometimes you won't be able to address everything that happens. In that case, you'll need to call someone to help, like a doctor or a paramedic. Of course, dialing 911 will always get you to the people you need, so that's a good start. You should also know the numbers of certain places, like Poison Control, your local police department, and your local hospital. By knowing the numbers of these individual places, you'll get some of the answers you need for your particular situation faster.
Most of the time, a cut isn't a big deal, and your first aid kit should be able to cover it. Once you have a first aid kit all set, you have what you need to treat most cuts and scrapes. First, you'll want to rinse the cut with water to make sure there isn't anything in it. Then you want to wash it with soap, and though it's not entirely necessary, antiseptic solution can never hurt. Finally, you'll want to cover the wound with a band-aid and/or sterile gauze. After that, all you should do is examine the cut every day. Make sure the cut isn't turning red or getting increasingly sore. This can mean the cut is getting infected and you should see a doctor.
Burns can happen in a variety of ways, from spilling hot water to staying out in the sun too long. No matter the cause, there are some basic ways to help treat them. For first degree burns, you'll first want to run the burned area under cool water. Make sure the water's not too cold. Next, apply some type of cooling gel. There are many products out there for this. Keep an eye on the burn for the next few days to make sure it's healing properly.
The best way to address a choking person is doing everything you can to avoid them. Especially with babies, make sure there aren't any choking hazards, like small toys, around the house. If you do see someone choking, there are ways that even a kid can do the Heimlich Maneuver. One of them is listed in the links below.
The best way to keep people from getting hurt in your house is to clean up the clutter. Clutter around the house can be tripped over, and the resulting falls can lead to injuries. There are some common accidents that take place in the home, like burns and bruises, and your first aid kit should be able to handle just about all of them.
